Hydrostatic pressure washer

ABSTRACT

A power washer having a hydrant cap, a water control system and a pressure gauge. The hydrant cap has a first end connected to a first port of a multiport connector and a second end configured to connect to a hydrant port of a hydrant. The water control system has a multiport connector and a shut-off valve system valve, which has a shut-off valve. The shut-off valve is connected to a second port of the multiport connector and is operatively associated with a hose. The pressure gauge is connected to a third port of the multiport connector.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hydrostatic pressure washers and methods for using the same, particularly to clean hydrants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydrants, including fire and water hydrants, provide a source of controlled and pressurized water for municipal use, principally for fighting fires. Hydrants are connected to a water main. The water is under tremendous pressure, ranging from about 60-80 pounds per square inch (“psi”), but it can be more or less depending on the region and local regulations, and must generally be above 20 psi. Typically, the water may be accessed via hose connected to the hydrant side port, provided that the operating valve in the adjacent valve box has been opened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative and presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view of a hydrant in embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a hose and nozzle in embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart representation of an embodiment of a method of the present invention for using a pressure washer to clean a hydrant;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the pressure washer of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front cross-section drawn through a blow out nozzle, valve control system, ball valve and hose connection of an embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-section drawn through a swivel adaptor, pressure gauge, check valve, ball valve and valve control system of an embodiment shown in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 11 is a flow chart representation of yet another embodiment of a method of the present invention for using a pressure washer to clean a hydrant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises various embodiments of pressure washers for cleaning hydrants and methods for doing so. The term “hydrant” as used herein refers to any outlet (usually found in a street or public place) for drawing water from a water main. While the term “hydrant” is often used in connection with hydrants for fire-fighting, it should not be viewed as limited in that respect. While embodiments may be described in connection with fire hydrants, they are non-limiting examples and the teachings of the present invention apply to any hydrant.

It is important that hydrants, including fire hydrants, be clean so that: (1) firefighters can see them in event of an emergency; (2) the hydrants can be turned off and on with ease; and (3) the hydrants encounter fewer maintenance problems and last longer. Current methods for cleaning hydrants require rags and wire brushes and waste a lot of water with limited results. In addition, current methods have their limitations as it is difficult to clean in the cracks and contours of the hydrants using rags. Potential use of external power washers would require gasoline cumbersome equipment, and another water source. The pressure washer 10, 100, 300 and method 200, 400 of the present invention solve these problems.

Pressure washer 10, 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Pressure washer 10 comprises hydrant cap 12, water control system 13 and pressure gauge 28.

Hydrant cap 12, which is used to replace cap 34 of hydrant 30 during use of pressure washer, 10, 100 is connected to water control system 13. See FIG. 4. Water control system 13 comprises various connectors and valve(s) for controlling the flow of water from hydrant 30, as is explained in greater detail below.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, water control system 13 comprises a multiple port connector (e.g., cross connector 14) and a first shut-off (e.g., first ball valve 16), a second shut-off valve (e.g., second ball valve 18) and various connectors, such as nipple connector 22 and adaptor 20 to control the flow of water for flushing turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant 30, as well as cleaning hydrant 30 according to methods 200, 400.

Port 15 of cross connector 14 is connected to pressure gauge 28 via nipple connector 22 or other suitable connector, which may be threaded. Port 15′ on the opposite side of cross connector 14 is connected to first ball valve 16, or other suitable shut-off valve via nipple connector 22 or other suitable connector.

Cross connector 14 is also connected to hydrant cap 12 via adaptor 20 and nipple connector 22 or other suitable connector, which may be threaded. Port 19′ on the opposite side of cross connector 14 is connected via nipple connector 22 to second ball valve 18. Second ball valve 18 is connected to nipple connector 22, which is configured to be connected to a flexible tube, such as hose 26 or any other suitable tubing or hose (as shown in FIG. 5) that, by way of example, could be used for cleaning hydrant 30 according to methods 200, 400 of the present invention.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, as in the case of pressure washer 10, pressure washer 100 of the present invention comprises hydrant cap 112, pressure gauge 128 and water control system 113.

As in the case of pressure washer 10, in an embodiment of pressure washer 100, water control system 113 comprises a multiple port connector, which in the embodiment shown is tee connector 114, as opposed to cross connector 14 of pressure washer 10. Water control system 113 further comprises a shut-off valve (e.g., ball valve 118) and various connectors, such as nipple connector 122 and adaptor 120 to control the flow of water for flushing turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant 30, as well as cleaning hydrant 30 according to method 200, 400.

Port 115 of tee connector 114 is connected to pressure gauge 128 via nipple connector 122 or other suitable connector, which may be threaded. on the opposite side of cross connector 14 is connected to ball valve 118, or other suitable shut-off valve, via nipple connector 122 or other suitable connector.

Tee connector 114 is also connected to hydrant cap 112 via adaptor 120 and nipple connector 122 or other suitable connector, which may be threaded, at port 119. Port 119′ on the opposite side of tee connector 114 is connected via nipple connector 122 to ball valve 118. Ball valve 118 is connected to nipple connector 122, which in turn is connected to quick connector 117, which is configured to be connected to a flexible tube, such as hose 26 or any other suitable tubing or hose (as shown in FIG. 5) that, by way of example, could be used for cleaning hydrant 30 according to method 200,400 of the present invention. In an embodiment, turbidity may be flushed from the water line without connecting quick connector 117 to hose 26. Since ball valve 118 may be used to control the water through the various steps of method 200, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a second shut-off valve may not be required.

In embodiments, pressure washer 10, 100 is connected to side port 32 of hydrant 30 via hydrant cap 12, 112 of pressure washer 10, 100. FIG. 4. When pressure washer 10, 100 is connected to hydrant 30 in this manner, hydrant 30 is turned on and the water flow is opened via first ball valve 16 or ball valve 118 of water control system 13, 113, hose 26 and nozzle 24 are then used to clean hydrant 30.

In the embodiments shown, the shut off-valves 16, 18, 118 are ball valves, although other suitable types of shut-off valve could be used. The fittings are ¼-inch brass to mate with hydrant cap 12, 112, but other materials could also be used. Pressure gauge 28, 128 is a standard 2.5-inch pressure gauge. In addition, certain types of connectors are disclosed but other types of connectors could also be used. The invention should not be viewed as being limited in these respects as would be familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings of the present invention. For example, other size fittings made from materials other than brass could be used, but brass is preferred for its durability and heat resistance.

According to embodiments of the present invention, an embodiment of method 200 for cleaning a hydrant will now be described with reference to FIG. 6. Water flow from hydrant 30 is turned off. Cap 34 is removed from the side port 32 of hydrant 30. The hydrant cap 12 of pressure washer 10 is placed 210 over the side port 32 and secured. Method 200 next comprises closing 212 the first ball valve (e.g., first shut-off valve 16) is closed and 214 opening the second ball valve 18. This ensures that water will not be flowing to hose 26 before the process of cleaning the line is completed.

Method 200 next comprises cleaning the main line to the hydrant 30. This is accomplished by turning on 216 hydrant 30, preferably to permit maximum water flow. Water will flow from the side port 32 through second ball valve 18 and out nipple connector 22, flushing the turbidity from the line between the water main and hydrant 30. Method 200 further comprises allowing the water to flow through second ball valve 18 until the water runs clear.

While the water is flowing, at step 218, hydrant 30 is sprayed with a solvent, such as a biodegradable degreaser. In one embodiment of the invention, simplegreen all-purpose cleaner may be used; however, any other biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner may also be used. Method 200 further comprises allowing the degreaser to sit on hydrant 30 undisturbed for at least two to four minutes to penetrate the oil buildup on hydrant 30. Longer dwell times may also be used.

At step 220, once the water has been flushed clear, second ball valve 18 is closed to lower the water pressure as read in pressure gauge 28, thus ensuring that hydrant 30 is operating properly. Once the water pressure has been lowered no more than about 5 psi to about 10 psi, nozzle 24 is secured to hose 26.

Method 200 next comprises opening 222 first ball valve 16 and spraying 224 the hydrant 30 with water (e.g., from nozzle 24 and hose 26). Water pressure from hydrant 30 may range from about 60 to about 80 psi. In another embodiment, method 200 may also comprise spraying the hydrant valve (not shown) in the valve box (not shown) which is located adjacent to hydrant 30 as one of ordinary skill in the art would know. Once the cleaning process is complete, first ball valve 16 is closed and hydrant 30 is turned off to depressurize pressure washer 10. Hydrant cap 12 is unscrewed and cap 34 is reattached to hydrant 30.

Another embodiment of the method of the present invention for cleaning hydrant 30 with pressure washer 100 as shown in FIG. 3 will now be described. The method of the present invention may comprise removing cap 34 from the side port 32 of hydrant 30. The hydrant cap 12 of pressure washer 100 may be placed 210 over the side port 32 and secured. Making sure that the hose 26 is not yet connected to quick connector 117, ball valve 118 may be opened.

The line from the main to the hydrant 30 may be cleaned. This is accomplished by turning on hydrant 30. Water will flow from the side port 32 through ball valve 118 and out quick connector 117, flushing the turbidity from the line between the water main and hydrant 30. The water may be allowed to flow through ball valve 118 until the water runs clear.

While the water is flowing, the hydrant 30 may be sprayed with biodegradable degreaser. In one embodiment of the invention, simplegreen may be used. The method may further comprise allowing the degreaser to sit on hydrant 30 undisturbed for at least two to four minutes to penetrate the oil buildup on hydrant 30.

Once the water has been flushed clear, ball valve 118 would be closed to lower the water pressure as read in pressure gauge 128. Once the water pressure has been lowered no more than about 5 psi to about 10 psi, hose 26 may be connected to quick connector 117.

Next, hose 26 would be secured and ball valve 118 would be reopened, causing water to flow from nozzle 24. The method would then comprise spraying hydrant 30 with water from nozzle 24 (connected to hose 26). In another embodiment, the method may also comprise spraying the hydrant valve (not shown) in the valve box (not shown) which is located adjacent to the hydrant 30 as one of ordinary skill in the art would know. Once the cleaning process is complete, ball valve 118 is closed, water flow from hydrant 30 is turned off to depressurize pressure washer 100. Hydrant cap 112 is unscrewed and cap 34 is reattached to hydrant 30.

Yet another embodiment of pressure washer 300 of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7-10. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 7-10, pressure washer 300 of the present invention comprises hydrant cap 12, 112, pressure gauge 328 and water control system 313.

As in the case of pressure washer 10, 100 in an embodiment of pressure washer 300, water control system 313 comprises a multi-port connector, which in the embodiment shown is 5-way connector 314, as opposed to cross connector 14 of pressure washer 10 or tee connector 114 of pressure washer 100. Water control system 313 further comprises shut-off valve system 343, blow out nozzle 324, hose connection 323 and various other connectors and fasteners, as described in more detail below.

Water control system 313 is operatively associated with pressure gauge 328 and hydrant cap 12, 112, via 5-way connector 314, which houses hose connection 323, as well as shut-off valve system 343, and is connected to blow-out nozzle 324 and swivel adaptor 320 for connecting to hydrant 30 via hydrant cap 12, 112.

In the embodiment shown, 5-way connector 314 is custom CNC-machined integral component made from aluminum with ports 315, 319, 319′, hose connection 323 and stop 327. However, while 5-way connector 314 is shown as an integral component with threaded connectors and ports, other configurations are also possible as would be familiar to one of skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings of the present invention. For example, two tee connectors could be used, as could various combinations of pipes and connectors.

As best seen in FIGS. 8-10, shut-off valve system 342 comprises a multi-directional shut-off valve (e.g., ball valve 316), check valve 321 and valve control system 335. Valve control system 335, for operating ball valve 316, comprises stop 327 and lever handle 325, which is connected to and operatively associated with ball valve 316 via screw 337, washers 331, nut 332 and ball valve connector 333 which is mated with ball valve 316 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10. Other types of connections and handles could also be used. In the embodiment shown, ball valve 316 is seated within 5-way connector 314 in between seals 329 underneath stop 327 so that 5-way connector 314 can receive ball valve connector 333. Valve control system 335 is connected to 5-way connector 314 and ball valve 316. When ball valve 316 is connected to lever handle 325 of valve control system 335 via ball valve connector 333, moving lever handle 325 along the arc shown by arrow 339 will turn ball valve 316 until that movement is restricted by stop 327. Turning ball valve 316 turns on or shuts off the flow of water from hydrant 30, as is explained in more detail below in connection with method 400 of the present invention.

In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, check valve 321 is housed within 5-way connector 314 between ball valve 314 and pressure gauge 328, although other configurations may be possible. Check valve 321 operates to prevent back flow of water to hydrant 30 when pressure washer 300 is being used according to method 400 of the present invention.

Blow-out nozzle 324 is connected to 5-way connector 314 at port 319 adjacent to seal 329 and ball valve 316. When ball valve 316 is turned to permit water to flow from hydrant 30 through blow-out nozzle 324, this is used to clear turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant 30.

In addition, 5-way connector 314 houses hose connection 323, which is configured to be connected to a flexible tube, such as hose 26 or any other suitable tubing or hose (as shown in FIG. 5) that, by way of example, could be used for cleaning hydrant 30 according to method 400 of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, hose connection 323 is integral to 5-way connector 314, but it could also be a separate component. In the embodiment shown, blow-out nozzle 324, port 315, 319, 319′ and hose connection 323 are threaded connections, but other configurations are possible.

In addition to water control system 313, pressure washer 300 also comprises means for securely connecting pressure washer 300 to side port 32 of hydrant 30. As previously described, such a means may be hydrant cap 12, 112. Hydrant cap 12, 112 is configured to be connected to pressure washer 300 via swivel adaptor 320, which is also connected to 5-way connector 314 at port 319′. Swivel adaptor 320, which may be made of brass, is configured to be connected to hydrant cap 12, 112 in the same manner as in embodiments of pressure washer 10, 100. In the embodiment shown, port 319′ and swivel adaptor 320 have threaded connections, but other configurations may be possible. When pressure washer 300 is connected to hydrant 30 by means of hydrant cap 12, 112, hydrant 30 is turned on and the water flow is opened via water control system 313, water from blow-out nozzle 324 may clear turbidity from the water line between the water main and hydrant 30; water flowing through hose connection 323 connected to hose 26 and nozzle 24 may then be used to clean hydrant 30 according to method 300.

In addition to water control system 313 and hydrant cap 12, 112, pressure washer 300 further comprises pressure gauge 328. In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, pressure gauge 328 comprises threaded post 348 which is configured to be received by port 315 of 5-way connector 314. As best seen in FIG. 10, pressure gauge 328 is further secured to 5-way connector 314 with a fastener. In the embodiment shown, the fastener is brass post 341, but other types of fasteners could also be used.

In the embodiments shown, the shut off-valve comprises ball valve 316, although other types and combinations of shut-off valves could be used. In embodiments, fittings that are sized to mate with hydrant cap 12, 112 may be made of brass. Pressure gauge 328 is a standard 3.0-inch pressure gauge, although other suitable gauges could be used. Seals 329 are polyoxymethylene seals; however, other suitable polymers or metals could be used. In addition, certain types of connectors are disclosed but other types of connectors could also be used. The invention should not be viewed as being limited in these respects as would be familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art after becoming familiar with the teachings of the present invention. For example, other size fittings may be used, as may fittings made from materials other than brass, but brass may provide better durability and heat resistance.

According to embodiments of the present invention, an embodiment of method 400 for cleaning a hydrant will now be described with reference to FIG. 11. Hydrant cap 12, 112 are secured to pressure washer 300 by means of swivel adaptor 320. Water to hydrant 30 is turned off and cap 34 is removed from the side port 32 of hydrant 30. Hydrant cap 12, 112 is placed 410 over the side port 32 with pressure gauge 328 in an upright position; hydrant cap 12, 112 is secured. Hose 26 and nozzle 24 are connected to hose connection 323, which may be done via quick connector 117.

Method 400 next comprises positioning 412 ball valve 316 (e.g., using lever handle 325) so that water flow to hose connection 323 is cut-off and water flow is opened to blow-out nozzle 324. This ensures that water will not be flowing to hose 26 before the process of cleaning the line is completed.

Method 400 next comprises cleaning the main line to the hydrant 30. This is accomplished by turning on 414 hydrant 30, preferably to allow maximum water flow. Water will flow from the side port 32 through ball valve 316 and out blow-out nozzle 324, flushing the turbidity from the line between the water main and hydrant 30. Method 400 further comprises allowing 416 the water to flow through ball valve 316 until the water from blow-out nozzle 324 runs clear.

While the water is flowing, at step 418, hydrant 30 is sprayed with a solvent, such as a biodegradable degreaser. In one embodiment of the invention, simplegreen all-purpose cleaner may be used; however, any other biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner may also be used. Method 400 further comprises allowing the degreaser to sit on hydrant 30 undisturbed for at least two to four minutes to penetrate the oil buildup on hydrant 30. Longer dwell times may also be used.

At step 420, once the water has been flushed clear, ball valve 316 is repositioned (e.g., using lever handle 325) so that water flow to blow-out nozzle 324 is cut off to lower the water pressure as read in pressure gauge 328, thus ensuring that hydrant 30 is operating properly. Once the water pressure has been lowered no more than about 5 psi to about 10 psi, nozzle 24 is secured to hose 26.

Method 400 next comprises repositioning 422 ball valve 316 (e.g., using level handle 325) so that water flow is opened to hose connection 323, hose 26 and nozzle 24. Hose 26 and nozzle 24 are then used to spray 424 hydrant 30. Water pressure from hydrant 30 may range from about 60 to about 80 psi. In another embodiment, method 400 may also comprise spraying the hydrant valve (not shown) in the valve box (not shown) which is located adjacent to hydrant 30 as one of ordinary skill in the art would know. Once the cleaning process is complete, ball valve 316 is closed (e.g., using lever handle 325) to shut off water flow in hose connection 323 and opened in the direction of blow-out nozzle 324. Water flow from hydrant 30 is turned off.

Once it is determined that pressure washer 300 is substantially depressurized (e.g., by consulting pressure gauge 328), hose 26 is removed from hose connection 323. Hydrant cap 12, 112 is unscrewed and cap 34 is reattached to hydrant 30.

Pressure washer 10, 100, 300 in conjunction with methods 200, 400 of the present invention can be employed to good effect to save time and prevent waste in conserving water resources for cleaning hydrants. No rags or brushes are needed and water that would otherwise be wasted is used to clean hydrants in a more efficient manner that using prior art methods, so water is conserved. In addition, the task of cleaning the fire hydrants is less strenuous and physically demanding than currently known methods.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including,” “having” and their derivatives. Any terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and “approximate” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adapted to another embodiment. It should be noted that while the present invention is shown and described herein as it could be used in conjunction with a configuration of various components, it could be utilized with other configurations, either now known in the art or that may be developed in the future, so long as the objects and features of the invention are achieved, as would become apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art after having become familiar with the teachings provided herein. Consequently, the present invention should not be regarded as limited to that shown and described herein. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Having herein set forth preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is anticipated that suitable modifications can be made thereto which will nonetheless remain within the scope of the invention, including all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents. The invention shall therefore only be construed in accordance with the following claims: 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pressure washer, comprising: a hydrant cap having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to a first port of a multiport connector and the second end being configured to connect to a hydrant port of a hydrant; a water control system comprising the multiport connector and a shut-off valve system valve, the shut-off valve system comprising a first shut-off valve connected to a second port of the multiport connector and being operatively associated with a hose; and a pressure gauge, the pressure gauge being connected to a third port of the multiport connector.
 2. The pressure washer of claim 2, further comprising a nozzle connected to the hose.
 3. The pressure washer of claim 2, wherein the water control system comprises a quick connector having a first end and a second end, the first end being operatively associated with the first shut-off valve and the second end being configured to connect to the hose.
 4. The pressure washer of claim 1, wherein the first shut-off valve is a ball valve.
 5. The pressure washer of claim 1, wherein the shut-off valve system comprises a second shut-off valve connected to a fourth port of the multi-port connector, the fourth port being opposite the third port, the second shut-off valve being operatively associated with a blow-out outlet.
 6. The pressure washer of claim 1, wherein the multiport connector comprises a five-way connector having a blow-out nozzle and a hose connection, the first-shut-off valve comprises a ball valve housed within the five-way connector between the blow-out nozzle and the hose connection, the ball valve being connected to a valve control, and the water control system comprises a check valve housed within the five-way connector between the first end of the hydrant cap and the third port.
 7. The pressure washer of claim 6, further comprising a swivel adaptor connected to the first end of the hydrant cap.
 8. The pressure washer of claim 6 wherein the valve control comprises a lever handle.
 9. The pressure washer of claim 1, wherein the pressure gauge is secured in the third port of multiport connector with a fastener.
 10. The pressure washer of claim 9, wherein the fastener is a brass screw.
 11. A method for cleaning a hydrant using a pressure washer, the pressure washer having a hydrant cap configured to connect to a hydrant port of a hydrant, a shut-off valve system having a shut-off valve, and a pressure gauge, comprising: attaching the hydrant cap to a side port of the hydrant; connecting the shut-off valve to a hose; positioning the shut-off valve to open water flow to the hose; turning on the hydrant to start the flow of water through the hose; cleaning the hydrant with the water from the hose.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein connecting the shut-off valve to a hose comprises connecting the shut-off valve to a hose connected to a nozzle, and cleaning the hydrant comprises cleaning the hydrant with water from the hose using the nozzle.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising, after the step of attaching the hydrant cap to the side port: positioning the shut-off valve to cut off water flow to the hose and open water flow to a blow-out nozzle; turning on the hydrant to flush turbidity from the line to the hydrant; once the water through the blow-out nozzle runs clear, repositioning the shut-off valve to stop water flow to the blow-out nozzle.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising, after the step of turning on the hydrant to flush turbidity from the line, spraying solvent on the hydrant.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising monitoring water pressure using the pressure gauge.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the shut-off valve is a ball valve.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: removing an original cap from the hydrant; after cleaning the hydrant, turning off the water flow from the hydrant; after turning off the water flow from the hydrant, disconnecting the hydrant cap from the hydrant; and after disconnecting the hydrant cap from the hydrant, reattaching the original cap back on the hydrant. 